chandldj
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Small Network... do I need a full-blown server?
We are a small business that currently has 1 parttime and 4 fulltime users on a network. We are currently using one of the user's computer as a server. We are looking at purchasing a computer to be dedicated as a server.
Do you think it is necessary for us to go out and purchase a full-blown server such as a Dell PowerEdge server? Would we need a RAID system?
Finally can I just go with Windows XP Pro or should I get a copy of Windows Server? If so Pro or Standard?
We are looking for an economical solution and I was looking at just a Dell Optiplex with a good motherboard and fast hard-drive.
We will also have a good network backup system in place.
Thanks!
Dean
Do you think it is necessary for us to go out and purchase a full-blown server such as a Dell PowerEdge server? Would we need a RAID system?
Finally can I just go with Windows XP Pro or should I get a copy of Windows Server? If so Pro or Standard?
We are looking for an economical solution and I was looking at just a Dell Optiplex with a good motherboard and fast hard-drive.
We will also have a good network backup system in place.
Thanks!
Dean
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ASKER
Thanks Leew... awesome info for me I appreciate it...
One more thing... I was looking at the following System...
Dell PowerEdge 840
Dual Core Xeon 3050, 2MB Cache, 2.13 GHz, 1066MHz FSB <<< Is this good enough?
MS-SBS includes 5 CALs <<< What is a CAL and is 5 enough?
2GB DDR2, 667MHz RAM <<< is this enough RAM?
Onboard SATA Controller - No RAID <<< Do I need RAID?
250GB SATA, 7.2K RPM Drive <<< Is this fine or should I go for SAS? Do I need multiple drives if I don't need RAID?
One more thing... I was looking at the following System...
Dell PowerEdge 840
Dual Core Xeon 3050, 2MB Cache, 2.13 GHz, 1066MHz FSB <<< Is this good enough?
MS-SBS includes 5 CALs <<< What is a CAL and is 5 enough?
2GB DDR2, 667MHz RAM <<< is this enough RAM?
Onboard SATA Controller - No RAID <<< Do I need RAID?
250GB SATA, 7.2K RPM Drive <<< Is this fine or should I go for SAS? Do I need multiple drives if I don't need RAID?
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ASKER
Thanks to all especially leew... i really appreciate the detail and explanation in your advice! take care
Dean
Dean
ASKER
Is the harddrive speed important? I was looking at a 80GB SATA, 10,000 RPM, 3.0 Gb/s Hard Drive with Data Burst Cache... but I couldn't find it in higher capacity... currently our shared data is a total of about 10 GB.